Stanford at USC
In what has to be the most surprising and exciting turn of events in the PAC-12 South, besides Colorado knocking off No 25 Nebraska, is the play of USC’s Freshman QB Kedon Slovis who, in his first career start against Stanford no less, connected on 28 of 33 attempts (85% completion rate) for 377 yards, 3 TD’s, and no interceptions in a 45-20 victory over the Cardinal. In addition to beating them in the air the Trojans also out gained Stanford on the ground rushing for 115 yards and 3 TD’s, with 42 of those yards and two of the scores credited to Junior RB Vavae Malepeai, against 98 yards and 1 TD on the other side.
In typical Air Raid style there were multiple recipients on the USC side that picked up significant double digit yardage on multiple pass receptions with Tyler Vaughns and Amon-Ra St. Brown responsible for 207 yards and 3 TD’s collectively with five more receivers handling the ball more than once for an additional 170+ yards. USC outpaced Stanford with just under 500 yards of Total Offense against 335 yards for the Cardinal.
On the other side of the ball Stanford’s starting Junior QB, Davis Mills, who took over the duties for K. J. Costello who is in a concussion protocol after being hit in the head in Week 1, completed 22 of 36 for 237 yards, 1 TD, and 1 interception. On the ground for Stanford Senior RB Cameron Scarlett picked up their lone rushing TD and 82 of the 98 yards on 17 carries including a long 44 yard run, early in the 2nd Qtr, down to the USC 32 setting the Cardinal up for a field goal. USC’s Defense did a good job of disrupting Stanford’s QB and running game picking up 3 sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
In his debut Slovis set the USC school record for yards passing in a freshman’s first start-think of that-coming back from a 17-3 deficit early in the 2nd Qtr and hitting 2 TD’s to lead the Trojans to a 24-20 lead at the half-a lead that was never relinquished the rest of the way. Credit 1st Year Offensive Coordinator Graham Harrell with USC’s new look Air Raid offense and Clancy Pendergast for simplifying the Defense. As far as Head Coach Clay Helton’s concerned, he’ll be on the bubble all year and with the firing of AD Lynn Swan by USC President Carol Folt his future is even more in doubt than ever. Time will tell
Stanford should have and will need their starting QB, K. J. Costello, this next Saturday, September 14th, as they hit the road to Orlando, Florida taking on No. 17 UCF while USC travels to Provo, Utah to take on BYU.